London International Boat Show
London’s Biggest Boat Show Returns for its 55th Year
The London International Boat Show returns to ExCeL from 9-18
January 2009, celebrating 55 years of bringing the best of boating
to the nation’s capital.
Come along and enjoy the thrill of being onboard one of the
hundreds of fascinating boats on display; from historic replica
vessels to the latest in marine technology. With over 500
exhibitors showcasing power and sail boats, dinghies, deck
equipment, charter holidays, sailing courses and more, the Show
will welcome over 135,000 people and promises to offer something
for enthusiasts and first time visitors alike.
The Main Stage – Powered by Fairline
Following last year’s success The Main Stage - Powered by Fairline
will return to the 2009 Show. Visitors will be dazzled by
theatrical shows, marine inspired catwalk collections, engaging
seminars and much more running throughout each day
The sequel to last year’s star attraction, the Sea Queen Stage
Show, will once again provide the main draw to the stage, amazing
visitors with a stunning ‘underwater’ show. An aerial
display, extreme acrobatics, dance and music will all tell the
magical and highly memorable ‘A Mermaid’s Tale’.
If you’re more of a creative type, you’ll enjoy seeing the
winning designs from the Design a Sail competition, creating a wave
of colour with Topper dinghies. This new initiative from
National Boat Shows (NBS) will come to a climax at the London
International Boat Show with the successful sails on display and
the overall winner announced on The Main Stage – Powered by
Fairline.
Deck Games
Get active! Test your marine skills against friends and family in
the ever popular interactive Deck Games zone. This year the feature
will return with a splash of difference, literally! Be sure
not to miss the brand new indoor pool on which visitors can
experience a variety of on-water activity in a safe and warm
environment.
Deck Games is another interactive feature providing fun,
hands-on activities for kids and parents alike. The aim is to
encourage young people of all ages to participate in boating by
providing a range of stimulating activities that are both
interesting and educational. This area offers a range of group
games and competitions with the opportunity to compete and win
prizes.
Classic Boat
Ever popular with visitors, the area in association with Classic
Boat, International Paint and Old Pulteney will provide an
opportunity to watch, learn and talk to experts about classic boats
and find out about the traditional skills involved in their
restoration. The Classic Boat feature will once again be supporting
the ‘Cutty Sark’ restoration project.
Bars & Restaurants
When you need to take the weight off your feet and take in the Show
at a more leisurely pace head over to one of the numerous
hospitality areas for a bit of light refreshment.
Enjoy a Guinness at the Black & White Bar, now serving a
selection of drinks, as well as the popular Sunseeker Champagne
Bar.
Come On Board
Following its launch at last year’s Show in London, the successful
Come on Board initiative will return in January. Come on
Board is a scheme designed to enhance the overall visitor
experience, and encourages visitors to interact more with
exhibitors who are willing and eager to offer expert advice and
introduce visitors to their Show offering.
All exhibitors taking part in the Come on Board scheme will
visibly display the logo, indicating to visitors they can find out
more about their products or climb aboard their boats at the
Show.
Marina on the Royal Victoria Dock
The Royal Victoria Dock will feature some of the largest exhibitor
boats in production which cannot physically fit through the doors
of the ExCeL building, as well as a dedicated outside exhibition
space featuring a number of inland craft. As with last year,
manufacturers from the inland waterway industry will be showcasing
both narrow and wide-beam boats at the west end of the
dock.
Navy Vessel
Since 2004, when the Show moved to ExCeL in London’s Docklands, the
Royal Navy has worked closely with National Boat Shows to bring a
number of frigates and destroyers to the Show. The popularity of
these Royal Navy vessels is demonstrated every year with
approximately 25,000 visitors climbing aboard and exploring the
ship throughout the 10 days of the Show.
Tickets
To book tickets simply call the ticket hotline on 0844 209 0333
(which goes live on 29 September) or book online at www.londonboatshow.com.
Also visit the website for the latest information on features and
attractions, confirmed exhibitors and product launches that will be
taking place at the Show as well as all the information you’ll need
to plan your day out.
Great value for money
Visitors can once again make the most of the successful ‘Kids Go
Free’ promotion, where children aged 15 or under get free admission
– provided they are with a paying adult.
Visitors can also enjoy great value for money when visiting the
NBS portfolio of Shows at both Southampton and London through the
flexible combi-ticket deal. With this ticket, guests can spend two
full days at either Southampton or London, or one day at both
Shows. Available via the ticket hotline or on the door, this
great “combination” ticket deal gives visitors the freedom to
choose how they visit the UK's premier Boat Shows. The
combi-ticket deal costs just £20 in advance or £25 on the
door.